Jay Jay Okocha: NPFL expert blasts Super Eagles legend after comments on Nigerian League

Jay Jay Okocha during the AFCON2024 draw in Ivory Coast. (Photo Credit: Imago)

FOOTBALL Jay Jay Okocha: NPFL expert blasts Super Eagles legend after comments on Nigerian League

Jay Jay Okocha: NPFL expert blasts Super Eagles legend after comments on Nigerian League

Izuchukwu Akawor • 12:25 - 03.09.2023

Nigeria Super Eagles icon Austine Jay Jay Okocha has been reminded of his time as an administrator after his comments on the NPFL in Kenya.

Nigerian football legend Austin Jay Jay Okocha has come under the storm following comments he made about the Nigeria Premier Football League, NPFL. 

According to Pulse Sports, Jay Jay Okocha has revealed that he will not watch the NPFL if there is a Premier League match.

The 50-year-old made the statement during a Premier League trophy tour in Kenya recently.

Okocha on the NPFL

Speaking to Kenya-based Capital Sports, the former midfield maestro was honest and brutal with his assessment of the NPFL.

African icon, Okocha showing his skill in a charity game earlier this year.

According to him, the Nigeria domestic league is not well-packaged enough to attract followers like him to ditch European leagues. 

“I don’t think I’d watch the Nigerian league if there is a Premier League match on the television, that is if I am being honest because the Premier League is more attractive,” Okocha stated.

'I don’t think I’d watch the Nigerian league' - Ex Super Eagles captain Jay Jay Okocha
'I don’t think I’d watch the Nigerian league' - Ex Super Eagles captain Jay Jay Okocha. Image Credit: Imago

“Our people will fall in love with something that is attractive and well-packaged. I can take the example of South Africa, the locals there attend matches in the stadium because the league is attractive,” he added. 

Journalist replies Okocha

The comments from Okocha have not gone down well with some NPFL enthusiasts who have taken to social media to respond. 

Photojournalist, Adepoju Tobi Samuel. (Photo Credit: Ikorodu City)

Led by Photojournalist Tobi Adepoju, the former Bolton Wanderers skipper has been criticised for his comments.

 In a long-form reply posted on the social media platform, X.com, formerly Twitter, Adepoju went down memory lane to remind Okocha of his in-famous time as Chairman of the Delta State Football Association. 

Jay Jay speaking to Pulse Sports at Onikan during his 50th birthday novelty match. (Photo Credit: screenshot by Pulse)

“Okocha was supported by Amaju Pinnick & he was elected as Delta State Football Association Chairman which automatically made him a Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Congress Member,” Adepoju posted. 

“He ruined Delta State FA & he was judged to be the most incompetent Delta FA Boss in history. He was forced to resign before the Delta FA Congress impeached him, they were pissed and disappointed.

Jay Jay Okocha during his iconic days at Bolton Wanderers.

When football fans call for Ex-Players to lead football administration in the country, I laugh at it. Let's leave them to honour invitations from politicians and play novelty matches.”

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